Fibromyalgia sufferer Lesley Tapp has set up a support group in Trowbridge after receiving such a good response when she spoke out about her illness to the Wiltshire Times last year.

Mrs Tapp, of Soprano Way, Trowbridge, aimed to raise awareness about her struggle with the ‘invisible illness’ and has since set up an informal support group for other Fibromyalgia suffers.

The group, which recently moved its meetings from The Albany Palace to The Shaw Trust, Palmer Gardens in Trowbridge, gives sufferers an opportunity to meet and discuss the illness or just socialise with people in the same situation.

Mrs Tapp, 50, who lives with her husband Chris, 52, has suffered from the disease for over 10 years, and has lost friends and her job as the chronic pain, fatigue and sleep deprivation it causes has progressed.

She said: “The response I got after the Wiltshire Times story was incredible – people were recognising me and stopping me in the street to put me in touch with others with Fibromyalgia.

“We have got quite a few members now who come to the meetings, but it does depend on how everyone is feeling, which is why it is quite informal and relaxed.

“It is free for anyone with the illness who wants to come along and chat about whatever they like.

“Many sufferers feel like they are going mad before they are diagnosed, as there is something of a stigma about it, but talking to others in the same situation makes you feel better.”

Mrs Tapp was only diagnosed with the condition just over three years ago, after a succession of doctors failed to explain the severe pain in her face and hands, and later her shoulders and back.

Other symptoms include forgetfulness, often leading sufferers to fear they are developing dementia, and sensitivity to lights and sounds.

Mrs Tapp added: “We have even had partners of people with the illness come along to the meetings to learn more about what they can do to help their loved ones.

“MP Duncan Hames contacted me after the last article to offer his support to our cause, which was great to hear.”

Anyone interested in attending a meeting of the Trowbridge Fibromyalgia Coffee and Chat Group can email trowbridgefibrogroup @hotmail.co.uk or go to the Facebook group at www.facebook.com/trowbridgefibro group

Comments

bfeickert
3:23am Fri 25 Jan 13

This is a good story, the only issue I have is the use of the word sufferer. I started an online (Facebook) support group in June 2011 and the one thing I tell everyone over and over is "You are a survivor - you are a survivor because each day you wake up you survived the day before." I have lived in pain for 49 years and do not use the word sufferer. Is my life tough, hard, painful, exhausting and do I sometimes have bad days and high levels of pain? Absolutely! Do I sometimes ask why? Of course, I'm human. The one thing I do not do is "suffer".

This is a good story, the only issue I have is the use of the word sufferer. I started an online (Facebook) support group in June 2011 and the one thing I tell everyone over and over is "You are a survivor - you are a survivor because each day you wake up you survived the day before." I have lived in pain for 49 years and do not use the word sufferer. Is my life tough, hard, painful, exhausting and do I sometimes have bad days and high levels of pain? Absolutely! Do I sometimes ask why? Of course, I'm human. The one thing I do not do is "suffer".bfeickert

This is a good story, the only issue I have is the use of the word sufferer. I started an online (Facebook) support group in June 2011 and the one thing I tell everyone over and over is "You are a survivor - you are a survivor because each day you wake up you survived the day before." I have lived in pain for 49 years and do not use the word sufferer. Is my life tough, hard, painful, exhausting and do I sometimes have bad days and high levels of pain? Absolutely! Do I sometimes ask why? Of course, I'm human. The one thing I do not do is "suffer".

Score: 0

Mashed
4:34am Fri 25 Jan 13

Fantastic article Lesley & well done to The Wiltshire Times for their continued support in allowing this condition to have a voice!!

Bfeickhert, I take your point on board but it's your view, I class myself as a sufferer not a survivor. I really do understand your point of view but feel it's a small thing to pick up on when we are often in a fight with Drs, family/friends & the Government to even acknowledge our plight. I am so sorry you've had FM for so long, I would class myself as a survivor after that many years too!! Hugs

Lesley, I think you're doing a great job with your group, I take my hat off to you & your groups members :-) xxx

Fantastic article Lesley & well done to The Wiltshire Times for their continued support in allowing this condition to have a voice!!
Bfeickhert, I take your point on board but it's your view, I class myself as a sufferer not a survivor. I really do understand your point of view but feel it's a small thing to pick up on when we are often in a fight with Drs, family/friends & the Government to even acknowledge our plight. I am so sorry you've had FM for so long, I would class myself as a survivor after that many years too!! Hugs
Lesley, I think you're doing a great job with your group, I take my hat off to you & your groups members :-) xxxMashed

Fantastic article Lesley & well done to The Wiltshire Times for their continued support in allowing this condition to have a voice!!

Bfeickhert, I take your point on board but it's your view, I class myself as a sufferer not a survivor. I really do understand your point of view but feel it's a small thing to pick up on when we are often in a fight with Drs, family/friends & the Government to even acknowledge our plight. I am so sorry you've had FM for so long, I would class myself as a survivor after that many years too!! Hugs

Lesley, I think you're doing a great job with your group, I take my hat off to you & your groups members :-) xxx

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